Description

These Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are a delicious and irresistible snack perfect for weekend indulgence. Featuring dill pickles stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful seasonings, then coated in a crunchy panko crust and air fried to perfection, they deliver a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and crispy textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickles

8 whole dill pickles (large, halved lengthwise and cored)

Filling

1 block cream cheese (softened, about 8 oz)
2 tbsp cooked bacon (crumbled or turkey bacon)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped chives (or green onions)
1 pinch salt and pepper (to taste)
0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Breading

0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Other

Olive oil spray (as needed for air fryer)

Instructions

Prepare the Pickles: Pat the pickles dry thoroughly using paper towels. Slice them in half lengthwise and use a melon baller to carefully scoop out the center of each half to create space for the filling.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, garlic powder, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Stuff the Pickles: Fill each pickle half generously with the cream cheese mixture, smoothing the filling evenly to cover the hollowed interior.
Set Up Dredging Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs to prepare for coating the stuffed pickles.
Coat the Pickles: Dredge each stuffed pickle half first in flour, tapping off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a firm and even crust.
Preheat and Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray each coated pickle generously with olive oil spray on all sides to promote crispiness.
Air Fry: Place the stuffed pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the pickles halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown and crispy.

Notes

You can substitute turkey bacon for traditional bacon for a lighter option.
Ensure the pickles are well-dried before stuffing to prevent sogginess.
Serve immediately for best crispiness.
Adjust red chili flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
If you do not have an air fryer, you can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffed pickles, air fryer recipes, crispy appetizers, bacon stuffed pickles, snack recipes, cream cheese stuffed pickles